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Description: a tool with a handle lies on a table. Image has the number 3 in a star and the hashtag #ChronicChristmas

This is my daily Advent calendar of gift ideas for people with chronic illness, running from December 1-25. Some entries will contain affiliate links.

One of my favourite parts of winter — other than Christmas, of course — is sweaters. Some women have a weakness for shoes, others for bags. With me, it’s sweaters.

I’m sure it’s partly related to being a knitter who can’t actually do the deed anymore. Knitting taught me so much about the deliciousness of yarn and the work and love that goes into creating a knitted garment. But more than that, it is there anything better when it’s cold than cozying up inside something so incredibly soft and warm? It makes you feel as if you’ve been wrapped in a soft woolen hug.

It’s also really good for managing my fibromyalgia-related intolerance to the cold.

But with sweaters come pills. No, not the kind of medication we take to cope with the symptoms of chronic illness, but those annoying little round fuzzy balls created on a sweater with time and friction. Such as resting your hands on a particular area of your torso or your elbow rubbing against the armrest on a chair. They make your sweater look old and worn and completely ruin the look you were going for.

Enter the Gleener. Sure, there are a number of tools out there to help you de-fuzz a sweater, but the Gleener is the best. I know this because I took a dive into knitting blogs and they all talk about this.

Knitters know.

It’s also remarkably inexpensive, which I found out when I bought one not too long ago. Also incredibly easy to use, although I needed some help operating it (thanks, JJ!), as it does require a bit of pressure, but most people would probably be able to do it. If not, it’s a great opportunity for being social with your spouse, your kids, a friend, and you get the point.

Still trying to teach Lucy how to do it, though.

If you know a sweater fanatic — or are one, like me — this is an essential tool to take care of your beloveds and keep you looking fabulous. Even on days when you feel far from fab.

Buy the Gleener. You won’t regret it.